Donald Erwin Ray

Donald Erwin Ray

also known as Ray Law Office

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Child support Lawyer at Rockford, IL
Practice Areas: Child Support, Divorce & Separation, Family ... +6 more

1437 S. Bell School Road #4, Rockford, IL

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

9

Practice Areas

Child Support 20%

Each paternity and divorce case requires the issues of custody, visitation, and financial support to be addressed by the court and my experience with multiple counties, attorneys statewide, as well as an working relationship with child support state agencies provides me with the tools to assist your needs and goals. I contend that I am the most experienced attorney in the State of Illinois as it relates to child support matters.

26 years

20%
Alimony 10%

In Illinois the legal term is Maintenance. This is a required issue in any divorce case. Many factors are involved with calculating proper maintenance taxes and forms of income.

26 years

10%
Business 10%

Assistance with compliance of Child Support garnishment process and affirmative defenses to $100.00 per day penalty for alleged improper compliance

21 years

10%
Family 10%

Divorce, Child Support, Maintenance

26 years

10%
Financial Markets and Services 10%

Todays financial system is not your Grandpa's ticker tape anymore. If you financial family/divorce case involves cryptocurrency you need someone with experience in the field.

9 years

10%
Uncontested Divorce 10%

Our office handles these cases when both spouses are not comfortable with the required forms and legal pitfalls that can occur due to the required formal paperwork. There is no need to hire any attorney. The Supreme Court provides free forms.

26 years

10%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

The use of prenuptials to safeguard financial interests certainly can be done. Make sure to consider choosing an attorney who has a history with cryptocurrency, bitcoin. In my 25 years plus of divorce cases only a very few involve these agreements.

26 years

5%
Mediation 5%

Assist parties with determining options for child support calculations, agreed to property allocations reflected in proper formal documentation, arrearage negotiations

2 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 200-350 per hour

Contingency

30%-30%

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 31 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1994

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Ray Law Office, P.C.

1437 S. Bell School Road #4, Rockford, IL, 61108

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Donald Erwin Ray's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

105 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Steve | November 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

GREAT LAWYER

Iv had Don as my attorney for almost 3 years. He has been nothing but professional and hard working on my case. He was always fast at responding to my emails (especially during COVID) and always on time to my court appearances. His coaching on what to say and how to act during court and outside of c...ourt was top notch. He fought for me and covered every aspect in my case professionally. I would highly recommend the Ray Law Office for anyone going through a divorce and/or custody battle.

Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

He’s Not one to sugar coat things.. in a good way..

Attorney Ray is extremely professional and he will not lead you down the sugar coated path to make you more comfortable, he’s upfront, honest , real,sincere, and he will help You get prepared as well and he’s very responsive to emailing and returning phone calls. it’s reassuring that he’s very up to ...date on recent changes in divorce/child custody laws and will not lead you astray and will make you feel that he wants to fight to get the best possible outcome for you and your case. Not only was I completely blind to what I was walking into, scared because of the stigma of being a male in a divorce/custody case but I’m happy with my outcome and I’m extremely comforted in his knowledge and knowing what a judge will want to see and expect in the court room. Thank again Don.

Posted by Lori | May 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

2020 Pandemic Divorce

Mr. Don Ray was my divorce attorney during the pandemic. Even with all the changes and policies during the pandemic, Don was still able to be an excellent attorney. He always responded very quickly to my many e-mails. He made sure to forward important details of my case to me immediately. Don was... professional when talking to me about my questions and concerns. He was very articulate and kept me informed of my options. He was short and concise when he answered my questions....He did not sugar coat anything, which helped me tremendously. Don was very good at getting the other lawyer involved to respond to questions and agree to adjustments in my divorce. I would and do recommend him for any case involving divorce. He WILL do a great job and you WILL be happy when all is said and done.

Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Great to work with!

Donald helped me with my parenting plan that had to go to court with my childs mother. He was very attentive to my requests, and knowledgeable and firm with the opposing side. He communicated every step of the way and I felt confident he would help me with what I needed and did just that. I would rec...ommend Donald to anyone would work with him in the future if needed.

Posted by Israel P. | August 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Finally, my life saver Attorney. Experienced, Respectful, Result-Oriented and Cost Effective. Best of 4 Attorneys I used

Attorney Ray was truly my lifesaver. He was recommended after 3 other Rockford Attorneys have failed. He carefully picked my case from the beginning. He fully understood the complexities and complications and did not over-promise. He is truly experienced, professional with me as the client, and to th...e other parties even as we "fought" the divorce war of negotiations. He was honest with the fact that he needed to know me as a client before he can promise delivery that was practical and in my best interest. I really appreciated him for this. He is truly one of the best State Attorney's that fights for (responsible) Fathers' Rights. He put the fear of God (literarily) in my ex and her attorney professionally. He was able to get my dignity, respect, and also significantly reduced the abuse I had faced for years in the married and about a year during the divorce litigations within the first week of working with him. That he promised during the consultation meeting and he delivered fast. He is a fast responder (Mr. bulldozer). My ex disliked him and I remember her saying one time "your crazy insane Attorney has gone rogue again". God used Attorney Ray and he ended the painful expensive divorce within 6months. He is practical and his charging is the most reasonable of all 4 attorneys. He saved me a lot of money and pain. He sends monthly invoices so you know where you stand. He focuses on results and he advises you as excellent attorneys should. He is one of the best in the Rockford area. I will recommend Attorney Ray to anyone in the area.

See All Client Reviews

Donald Erwin Ray's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Maureen M. Lawson headshot
Maureen Lawson

Family lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Attorney Ray on several cases as an appointed Guardian ad Litem and as opposing counsel. Attorney Ray is professional, hard working and does an excellent job on behalf of his clients."

Eric William Arnquist headshot
Eric Arnquist

Family lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Don Ray. Don is an outstanding advocate for his clients. He is extremely knowledgeable in issues related to family law and is incredibly hardworking."

Phil Kesler headshot
Phil Kesler

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Don to be an excellent family lawyer who is trustworthy and diligent in helping clients through hard times. I have referred several client to him and continue to do so."

Bradley Robb Tengler headshot
Bradley Tengler

Family lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Don is an exceptional attorney and fierce advocate in the family courtroom. In addition, his humor brings a sense of humanity to the divorce practice - a very important trait to assist clients with the emotional stress that they will experience with this kind of litigation. He is also respected in our community as one of the most knowledgeable, if not most knowledgeable, attorney in the area of child support litigation and notices to withhold. I highly recommend Don."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Brian Anthony Grady headshot
Brian Grady

Child support lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Donald Ray is the authority on all child support related matters in the State of Illinois. I have know Mr. Ray for many years and utilize his expertise when I have a difficult legal matter involving child support. I highly recommend Donald Ray in all divorce related matters and recommend anyone who requires legal assistance in Rockford area to contact Mr. Ray."

Raiford D. Palmer headshot
Raiford Palmer

Child support lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Don is a very skilled family law attorney. We work together on some child support matters and I am glad to have a working relationship with him. On any child support matter he is our "go-to" person."

View All Endorsements
Phil Kesler headshot
Phil Kesler

Personal injury lawyer

Alexis Marie Kraft Simmons headshot
Alexis Simmons

Domestic violence lawyer

Bradley Robb Tengler headshot
Bradley Tengler

Family lawyer

Gary L. Schlesinger headshot
Gary Schlesinger

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2001

Certificate of Appreciation Young Lawyers President, Winnebago County Bar Association

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Solo Practioner, Ray Law Office, P.C.

1997 - 1999

Attorney, Gilbert & Associates

1995 - 1997

Attorney, City of Rockford

1994 - 1995

Attorney, Crosby & Associates

Associations

2016 - Present

Ogle County Bar Association

Member

2016 - Present

Boone County Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Professional organizations and associations

Member

2002 - 2006

National Child Support Enforcement Association

Member

2000 - 2001

Winnebago County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Past President

2000 - 2020

Winnebago County Bar Association

WCBA Chairperosn 2019-2020 resigned

2000 - 2001

Winnebago County Bar Association

Former Board of Directors

Sample of Legal Cases

In re the Marriage of Clark http://www.state.il.us/court/R23_Orders/AppellateCourt/2013/2ndDistrict/2121061_R23.pdf

Trial court overturned. Interest is to be accounted for.

In re the Marriage of Smith, http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2004/2ndDistrict/March/HTML/2030183.htm

The award of past due support for my client was upheld

See More Legal Cases

Education

1991

Northern Illinois University

BS - Bachelor of Science

1988

Northern Illinois University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2019

Child Support & Maintenance 7th Biannual Master Teacher Seminar Income Withholding Maintnenance & Child Support

2018

Winnebago County Bar Association Family Law CLE Cryptocurrency 101 and How it may Impact your Practice

2017

2013

Winnebago County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Child Support

2012

Family Law CLE

Income Withholding for Support

2006

WCBA Family Law Seminar

Child Support Interest Laws

2005

NSWBA Family Law Seminar

Child Support Interest Calculations

Publications

2009

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education The Illinois Income Withholding “Notice” (Order) and S.B. 100

2005

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education The Math of the 2006 Interest Laws

2003

Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter The Application Of Child Support Interest, More Than Just A Sharp Pencil.

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution